Friday, March 24, 2006

I know it’s only words, but...

Does anyone else see a problem with the increasing use of the descriptive phrase ‘same-sex attracted’?

It just comes across as a means of avoiding using words like gay, homosexual, queer, lesbian, dyke, poof, etc.

Sure, these can be confronting words, given they are so strongly overlaid with negative connotations in general use. And for many people I’m sure it is less scary to use what would appear to be a value-neutral adjective rather than identifying with a whole ‘category’, ‘label’ or ‘type’ of person.

I don’t think I’m being overly defensive when I venture that avoiding using the established terminology just because of existing negative connotations is a kind of surrender (not that I could claim a spotless record of defiance and non-conformity anyway).

What makes me particularly uneasy about it is the possibility that the phrase is being used (even if subconciously) to try and placate, or avoid stirring up, people who might take offence at a bold declaration of a homosexual identity.

I guess there is always that argument that ‘queer’ is an identity, whereas ‘same-sex attracted’ is just an attribute. I’m a bit ambivalent on that one, because it still seems like avoidance to me.

It’s as if by using the self-descriptor ‘same sex attracted’ one is trying not to scare other people:

“Oh don’t worry, I’m not a fag or anything. I’m just same-sex attracted.”

And in this hypothetical conversation, let’s take a look at exactly who it is you are compromising yourself for? Who is it that you are worried about offending? People with latent homophobic tendencies. These people are not worth the bother, I say.

Cop. Out.

Which is not the same as a gay cop, but I just can't resist a visual gag.

Yup you've hit it on the head C.S.H. If someone uses the old "Same-sex-attracted" line it means for some reason or another they are pussyfooting around the issue and obviously don't feel comfortable with themselves.

It brought to my mind a scene out of tales of the city (I think) where they are on a bus and some hoods get on and start making fag jokes and ask if tehre are any on the bus and one fo the characters says "here" and it starts a wave of people saying "here" "here" etc....

We just all have to stand up and say "Yup I'm queer" (I'll avoid the we're here part of it)

I have nothing sage to add: I just wanted to say "eew" about the Cop-In-Shorts' puny legs. The only way that photo could be funnier is if it was full length and showed that he was wearing sandals and socks.